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The
Radiology Job Interview:
Must Ask Questions
Kimberly E. Applegate, M.D. |
Ask about
the job parameters...
including the range of radiologic exams to be performed (such as interventional
procedures, Doppler and ultrasound skills needed, and other sub-specialty
imaging); time spent on administration, research, and teaching. This should
include a discussion of formal and informal teaching.
What is the
current clinical volume?
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How
much of the imaging is cross sectional vs. plain film?
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How
much of the current work is outpatient vs. inpatient?
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How
many other facilities are currently (and prospectively) covered
by the radiologists in this group?
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Do you
anticipate any changes in the current job description?
For example,
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Will
there be coverage of additional modalities or outpatient centers
or is it anticipated that there will be additional imaging modalities
performed in the near future?
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Will
your responsibility be to develop a new imaging area, produce more
research, update protocols in a sub-specialty area, or develop teaching
resources?
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If
a current member of the department has left and the position is
open, ask why the radiologists left the job (for example, retirement,
job promotion, family reasons).
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Ask about
the department's current strengths...
to include the radiology staff, support staff, secretarial support, and
available equipment (radiologic imaging equipment and computer support).
Are there
weaknesses in the department?
(You may also want to ask this question to different people on this interview
day).
It is appropriate
to discuss quality of life issues (such as where people live, what
the commuting distance is to the hospital, what your future colleagues
see as positive aspects of the job). Any negative aspects?
Must ask
questions before the second interview should include questions
about salary, vacation, benefits and call schedule. Where will your office
be? Academic time?
Must Do For
The Job Interview:
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Be
positive, enthusiastic, and optimistic from your initial telephone
contacts, prior to the interview, to the end of the interview process.
Often the best positions are not advertised. Keep a list of people
you have contacted including names and who referred you to the person.
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| 2) |
Do
your homework before your interview and preferably before you make
your initial telephone contact. Learn about the institution, the
radiology department, and the person you may be speaking with. Use
your AAWR directory. Is there a member working in the department
you could talk to? Have your CV ready to fax.
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Use
an easy-to-read and organized format for your CV. Many institutions
provide a standardized CV format you may find helpful. Include a
short, personalized cover letter with each CV.
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Be
politely persistent in your attempts to obtain the interview. If
you do not hear from prospective colleagues, call to remain them.
Get a time frame for when the position will be filled. If an academic
position, offer to give a lecture (if you have one prepared). You
will likely be asked to do this at an academic institution, so have
your talk ready. It can be as simple as a collection of interesting
cases.
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Arrive
early for your interview. Walk around the hospital to get a sense
of its environment. Ask for a tour.
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| 6) |
Write
a thank you letter promptly after your interview. You may also want
to call your contact person after the interview. Have additional questions
ready at this time. |
Reference:
Survival Guide for Women Radiologist: The AAWR Pocket Mentor. Edited by
B. J. Manaster, MD. (Chapter 7B: Interviewing, by Jacylyn Calem-Granat,
MD)
Copyright
© AAWR 1999
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